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Published : 02 Oct 2025, 07:23 PM
Bangladesh launched their Women’s ODI World Cup campaign in style, skittling Pakistan for 129 before debutant Rubya Haider’s composed half-century secured a 7-wicket win in Colombo.
Chasing 130, Nigar Sultana’s side overhauled the target with 113 balls to spare at the R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
It marked their second World Cup victory over Pakistan, having beaten them in 2022 for their only win at their maiden tournament.
The contest was set up by the bowlers. Marufa Akter lit up the opening over with two superb deliveries that sent Omaima Sohail and the in-form Sidra Ameen back to the pavilion. Pakistan never recovered, reduced to 40 for 4 by the seventh over.
The 28-year-old left-handed opener Rubya seized her chance on ODI debut, finishing unbeaten on 54 off 77 balls with 6 fours. She became only the third Bangladeshi to score a fifty on ODI debut, following Ayesha Rahman and Sharmin Akter in 2011.
Pakistan, who arrived at the World Cup on the back of a home ODI series win against South Africa, did not see a single batter cross 30. They struggled to stitch together partnerships, with only Rameen Shamim (23) offering resistance.
All six Bangladeshi bowlers claimed at least one wicket. Leg-spinning allrounder Shorna Akter was the most effective, taking the last three wickets for just 5 runs in 3.3 overs, including three maidens.
Marufa was named Player of the Match for her 2 for 31 in 7 overs, while left-arm spinner Nahida Akter took 2 for 19 in 8. Nasum, Nishita, Fahima and Rabeya chipped in with a wicket each.
After slipping to 67 for 5, Pakistan could only scrape together 129 in 38.3 overs.
Bangladesh’s chase began shakily. Fargana Hoque (2) fell lbw in the fourth over, and Sharmin Akter made a laboured 10 off 30 before meeting the same fate.
At 35 for 2 in the 12th over, Rubaiya and captain Nigar steadied the innings. Their 62-run stand off 77 balls effectively shut Pakistan out.
Nigar fell for 23 off 44, but by then Bangladesh were 33 runs off the coast. Rubya brought up her half-century with a boundary off 64 balls and anchored the innings to the end. Sobhana Mostary added late flourish with a brisk unbeaten 24 off 19 balls, striking six boundaries.
Bangladesh reached 131 for 3 in 31.1 overs to seal a resounding victory and answer questions over their readiness, having last played an international match in April in Lahore against Pakistan during the World Cup qualifiers.
Bangladesh’s build-up to the World Cup was disrupted, with one of their two practice matches washed out by rain and the other narrowly won against Sri Lanka by one run. The lack of preparation had raised doubts, but the performance in Colombo dispelled them in style.
The match also had historical resonance. Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen, who came in averaging 86.33 in ODIs in 2025 with two centuries and three fifties in her previous six innings, was bowled for a golden duck by Marufa -- her first first-ball dismissal in six and a half years.
With this emphatic win, Bangladesh move to India for the remainder of their group matches. Their next fixture is against England in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 129 in 38.3 overs (Rameen 23, Fatima 22, Diana 16*; Shorna 3-5, Marufa 2-31, Nahida 2-19)
Bangladesh: 131/3 in 31.1 overs (Rubya 54*, Sobhana 24*, Nigar 23; Diana 1-14, Fatima 1-30, Rameen 1-25)
Result: Bangladesh won by seven wickets
Player of the Match: Marufa Akter
